By David M. Benson, LMSW, ACSW of EastShore Counseling Services
Q: I'm a mom of two teenagers, married for 20 years, who is challenged by daily adolescent issues, marital issues, work pressures, aging parents... My friends, family, colleagues tell me I should seek professional help, that maybe I need medication for my anxiety and depressive symptoms? I'm a private person, uncomfortable sharing deep personal feelings. I don't want to be "analyzed." How can I benefit from seeing a "shrink?" What's the difference between a therapist, counselor, psychiatrist or psychologist?
A: First, let me start by explaining the differences in professionals. I will answer your question, "How can I benefit from seeing a "shrink" next. A Psychiatrist is a doctor who can prescribe medication for Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder and any psychiatric diagnosis. A Psychiatrist provides the medical components to a patient/client's treatment. Psychiatrists are required to attend medical school as part of their education and certification. Most Psychiatrists have their own specialties, such as those who specialize in children, adolescents and adults. Further, Psychiatrists may concentrate on specific mental illnesses or concentration of practice. Psychiatrists predominately treat the medical symptoms and prescribe medication. It is infrequent that a Psychiatrist will provide therapeutic services, such as counseling.
Research has proven to treat mental illnesses, such as Depression, Anxiety, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and others, the preferred method of treatment is medicine, along with cognitive behavioral therapy (counseling). This combined approach has proven to be the most successful treatment modality. As mentioned above, Psychiatrists do not provide the cognitive therapy, or counseling. These types of services would be provided by a Counselor, Clinical Social Worker, or Psychologist.
It seems that some people confuse the term "counselor" with "therapist." These terms are often used interchangeably, which at times can be confusing. From a credential perspective, a counselor is a person who holds a Master's of Arts degree in Guidance and Counseling and is licensed professionally as a counselor. A therapist is a Clinical Social Worker who holds a Master's of Social Work degree and may also be licensed professionally through the State of Michigan as a social worker. Clinical Social Workers may hold additional credentials through the National Association of Social Workers.
A Psychologist is similar to a Clinical Social Worker in practice, as well as the licensing process. Psychologists at times refer to themselves as therapists. Sometimes people confuse Psychologists with Psychiatrists. A Psychologist cannot prescribe medication and does not hold a medical degree like a Psychiatrist. Licensed psychologists have earned a Doctoral Degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D). If you are seeking the services of a psychologist, please be sure to look at their credentials, such as the Ph.D. or Psy.D after their name. Some practitioners who have a Master of Science degree, or Master of Arts degree in the field of counseling, consider themselves as psychologists; they, however, have not received their Doctoral Degree.
According to local practitioners, Dr. Marquita Bedway and Dr. Kara Brooklier, practitioners of clinical psychology generally provide psychological assessment and psychotherapy. In addition to earning a doctoral degree, clinical psychologists complete advanced training following their degree, including a one year internship and one to two years of post-doctoral fellowship in a specialty area.
There are many more disciplines in the field of psychology, psychiatry and clinical social work. However, the purpose of this article is to provide the public with a basic description of each practice, as well as a simple comparison between psychiatrist, psychologist, and clinical social worker.
In summary, a Psychiatrist prescribes medication and attended medical school. Psychologists and Clinical Social Workers are similar in that they both provide counseling/psychotherapy, however have experienced different training and education. What is most important is that a person seeks a professional that they are comfortable with, and one who specializes in their area of concern.
When searching for a Counselor, Therapist or Psychologist, it is important to ask questions to make sure you are comfortable with the person. The effectiveness of your treatment may depend on choosing the right therapist. Most professionals will offer a free consultation or screening on the phone. For a listing of local professionals, please refer to The Family Center's Association of Professionals on their Website: www.familycenterweb.org.
There are many benefits in seeking professional help. Your question revealed many stressors that most of us have in common. For many, it is initially very uncomfortable to enter a "stranger's" office and start revealing all of your personal information. This is one of the main reasons why it is so important to locate a Therapist that you are comfortable with. Therapists do not analyze their clients; they assist them in recognizing areas in their lives that they feel need improvement. Therapists also provide the therapeutic tools necessary to make change. A good therapist will complete this process in a non-judgmental manner.
As referenced in your question, the only "analyzing" would be if you were receiving a psychiatric evaluation by a Psychiatrist. Research has proven that the best way to treat anxiety and depressive symptoms, are through medication and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (talking therapy). Receiving therapy can really help one to sort through their lives and recognize why we do certain things, why we think the way we do and often provides answers to our behavior and actions.
Therapy is also beneficial to deal with incidents in life, such as; trauma, abuse, neglect and unresolved issues from childhood and adolescence. How we grew up, along with our family's beliefs, traditions and environment all impact how we respond to certain stressors, behaviors and actions. Additionally, therapy also helps most people deal with current stressors, relationship problems, coping skills and how to manage daily challenges.
Historically, therapy was viewed as "taboo" with a lot of stigma attached to this concept. I often hear from my clients, "I thought I could work this out on my own, and my family doesn't believe in therapy. We all need to help ourselves." This myth has certainly changed over the past couple decades. As our environment and world change around us, so do the financial, social and economic stressors we face on a daily basis. Families experience increased challenges and stress that simply was not as prevalent a couple decades ago. There is no shame in seeking professional help to better our lives, happiness, relationships and our families. After all, for most of us, this is the meaning of life.
David M. Benson, MSW, LMSW, ACSW is a licensed clinical therapist with over 15 years of experience and has been in private practice for 5 years in Grosse Pointe Farms. He works part-time at Henry Ford Cottage Hospital's Psychiatric Unit and is a member of The Family Center's Association of Professionals. Contact him at EastShore Counseling Services (313) 447-5779, email Info@DavidBensonTherapy.com or visit www.DavidBensonTherapy.com for more details.
For a listing of local professionals, please refer to The Family Center's Association of Professionals online directory at www.familycenterweb.org. To become a member of the Association of Professionals, please contact us at 313.432.3832.
Please email your questions to info@familycenterweb.org
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To volunteer or contribute, visit familycenterweb.org or call 313.432.3832.
